Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing its former colonial ruler of “consistently undermining” the country amid the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move escalates tensions between the two nations, with Belgium vowing to respond to what it calls a “disproportionate” decision.
The authorities in Kigali have given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, following Brussels’ push for European nations to sanction Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the group, despite assertions from the United Nations and the United States.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of attempting to “sustain its neo-colonial delusions” and of taking sides in the regional conflict.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilise both Rwanda and the region,” the statement read.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot quickly responded, criticizing Kigali’s decision. “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” Prevot posted on social media. He added that Belgium would retaliate by declaring Rwandan diplomats in Brussels *persona non grata*, a move that could lead to their expulsion.
The diplomatic fallout comes amid intensifying violence in eastern DRC, where Congolese authorities report that around 7,000 people have been killed this year in clashes between the M23 and government forces. According to UNICEF, over 850,000 people have been displaced since January, with the rebels seizing control of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
In response to Rwanda’s alleged involvement, Britain has cut some of its aid to the country, while the UN Security Council last month demanded that the M23 cease hostilities and that Rwanda withdraw its troops from DRC.
Before the diplomatic break, Rwandan President Paul Kagame issued a defiant statement against Belgium, suggesting that his country would not be dictated to by its former colonial power.
“We would ask Belgium: ‘Who are you by the way? Who put you in charge of us?’ Rwandans believe in God, but did God really put these people in charge of Rwanda?” Kagame said in an address on Sunday.
